Coin control system for record changing and selecting phonographs



Jan. 9, 1951 E. L. WELKER. 2,537,436

COIN CONTROL SYSTEM FOR RECORD CHANGING AND SELECTING PHONOGRAPHS Filed Sept. 17, 1947 3noemor o i 0' s 0 Ear/ L. We/kel.

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Patented Jan. 9, 1951 OFFICE COIN CONTROL SYSTEM FOR RECORD CHANGING AND SELECTING PHONO- GRAPHS Earl L. Welker, Kansas City, Mo. Application September 17, 1947, Serial No. 774,551

' Claims.

This invention relates to controls for automatic i phonographs and more particularly to .coinoperated controls therefor.

Automatic phonographs are employed in public places for furnishing entertainment and music for the patrons. Usually such phonographs contain a magazine holding a number of records, are provided with coin boxes into which nickels and other coins may be deposited and have push buttons or keys manually operable for selecting a record that will be played for the particular coin inserted in the device. For the convenience of the patron, wall or counter boxes have been used for remotely controlling the phonograph, the

' conventional wall box having a coin box and and the patron does not get the record desired, or in some cases no record at all is played. This condition results in dissatisfaction of the patron as well as trouble for the operator of the public place in having to refund the money tn the patrons without definite knowledge that said patron has placed a coin inthe box.

The objects of the present invention are to provide a phonograph control wherein desired selections can be made without the use of push buttons; to provide remote controls for automatic phonograph with a minimum number of wires leading thereto; to provide a control with an indicator for showing the record which will be played in response to the mere insertion of a coin in said box; to provide a control which accepts a coin only when a record may be selected; and to provide a simple, efficient coin control having a minimum number of parts and capable of giving long service without any disorders.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred forms of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: V

Fig. l is a perspective view .of a wall box for enclosing the remote control apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the control system and so much of the phonograph apparatus as is necessary for the understanding of the invention.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the record selecting shaft forming part of the phonograph, showing a ring of stops distributed around the same with their axes parallel to the, axis of the shaft.

Fig. fl is a sectional view on the line 44, Fig. 3.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

l5 designates a record changer and record disc drive apparatus and I6 designates an amplifier such as is found in automatic phonographs. Any suitable record changing apparatus may be used, however, for purpose of illustration the apparatus illustrating the resent invention is similar to the type shown in the Wilcox Patent No. 2,002,236 for Automatic Phonograph dated May 21, 1935, in which a shaft is provided with an arm Whose movement is arrested in various positions by selector pins. In the present device the record changer shaft I! has fixed thereto a selector arm i8 adapted to engage stops [9 distributed in equal radial distances from and evenly spaced about the shaft, the arm I8 being longer than these radial distances so that when the arm l8 engages one of the stops the rotation of the shaft is arrested. The stops l9 are mounted on solenoid cores 20 slideably mounted in coils 2| and adapted to be moved in one direction upon energization of the coil and requiring application of external force to move them in the other direction.

The control system includes as many solenoids and solenoid cores as there are records to be played. Referring to Fig. 2, twelve solenoids numbered I to I2 inclusive according to their position in the apparatus are shown, thereby permitting twelve different records to be selected. However, the number may be increased or decreased depending upon the number of records that may be contained at one time in the phonograph.

The first, third and tenth cores are illustrated as shifted to the one limit of their movement through the energization of the corr esponding coils. While the coils and cores are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2, the axes of all of the solenoids lie on the surface of the cylinder with their axes parallel to the axis of the cylinders, said axis being coaxial with the selector shaft E3 of the phonograph whereby the stops on the retracted cores lie out of the path of the radial arm as the selector shaft rotates, and when the solenoid cores are shifted upon energization of the corresponding coils, as are the first, third and tenth cores in Fig. 2, the stops on the cores project into the path of -the arm l9 and serve as stops for said arm.

The solenoid and core arrangement is substantially as shown in the Henry Patent No.

2,281,435 for a Control System for Automatic Phonographs, dated April 28, 1942. Each solenoid core 20 has at one end an extension 22*of insulating material, a portion of which is surrounded by a metallic sleeve .23. The extension 22 and sleeve 23' thereon extends through apertures 24, 25 and 26 in rails 21, 28 and 29 respectively, said apertures being of such size that there is no contact between the rails and the metal sleeve 23. The rail ill may be made of insulating material and is provided with a contact piece for each or the solenoid cores and electrically connected by means of a conductor iii to one terminal of the respective solenoid coils. If the rail 2] is made metal, each of the contact pieces 3E; must be insulated therefrom whereby there is no electrical connection between the respective contact pieces The contact pieces 30 are adapted to engage the corresponding metal sleeve 23 when the cores are retracted, and engage the end or" the extension 22 when the cores are shifted upon energization oi the corresponding coils as are the first, third and tenth cores, Fig. 2. Each of the rails and is preferably made of metal and provided with contact pieces 32 and 33 respectively adapted to engage the metal sleeves when the cores are shifted as shown in Fig. 2. The contact pieces are all electrically connected and engage the extension 22 when the solenoid cores are retracted. The contact pieces 32 are also all electrically connected and engage the metal sleeve in both positions of the solenoid cores.

Electrical energy is supplied by leads 3!; and 35 connected to a suitable source of current supply, said lead being connected by means of a conductor til to the metal rail supplying current to all of the metal sleeves The contacts are connected through the metal rail 255 and a conductor ill to the amplifier iii and the record changer E5, the other terminals of the power supply of the record changer and amplifier being connected by a conductor 38 to the lead 3%. As illustrated in Fig. 2, each of the coils 2i is connected by the conductor ill with the corresponding contact piece t ll, and the opposite terminal of each coil 2i is connected by means or conductor 85) with one pole or a microswitch 4%, there being one switch M for each coil, said switches being indicated i to l2 to correspond to the coils l to I2 respectively. The other poles of the switches are connected to a common conductor 4| for connection with the control. apparatus later described.

The switches ill are arranged in spaced relation in a circle on a disc ihor other suitable mounting; device, and are at equal radial distances from a shaft of a synchronous motor 44, said synchronous motor being connected by conductors 35 and i to the lead lines it and 35 to supply current for driving the motor and rotating the shaft lli in a clockwise direction, Fig. 2. Mounted on the shaft it is a rotor ii, the periphery it of WI ich engages rollers 49 on arms 50 of the microswitches said rnicroswitches being in circuit-breaking position during such engagement.

The rotor All is provided with a lobe portion 5i of slightly less peripheral length than the spacing between the rollers s] on the respective switch arms and of such radius relative to the shaft -13 that engagement of the lobe 5! with a roller 49 of a microswitch will actuate said microswitch to close the circuit therethrough. The motor 44 is preferably of such character that the lobe of the rotor l? will one complete revolution each minute. Thereicre each microswitch will be closed momentarily one time during each minute.

The conductor ll is provided with branches 52 leading to control mechanism It is preferable that one such control mechanism be iii placed in the phonograph cabinet if located in an accessible place and other controls, wired in parallel thereto, be placed any desired location in the building or public place whereby the.

patrons thereof in y conveniently control the playing or records. The remote controls are preferably located in counter boxes 55 or the like having the names and designating numbers of records placed on the front thereof, as at 55. The box may be of any suitable construction and so arranged as to include a clock or other dial having a second or indicator hand 5? adapted to rotate and pass numerals corresponding to the numbers designating the record selections. Surrounding the clock dial is a panel 59 preferably a colored plastic or other suitable material to transmit light therethrough described. Preferably mounted on the top of the counter box is a coin slot 53 for directing coins into a chute 6i containing suitable slug rejecting apparatus (not shown). The clccr: or other indicating apparatus, in each of the control devices, is

operated by a synchronous motor 6 2 connected by conductors ES and it with the leads 34 and 35 respectively, said motors 52 being synchronized with the motors and the indicator hand or sec- 0nd hand ll or the clocks all being in the same radial position in one instance, said posi-- tion corresponding to the position of the lobe 5! whereby the numeral on the dial 58 indicated by the hands corresponds to the solenoid coil 21 adapted to be energized by the closing or" the respective microswitch lil.

Connected across the conductors 52 and 64 are lights and tit, and a solenoid coil 61', said lights and coil each bein connected in parallel and also in parallel with a switch 68. The switch S8 is arranged in each coin chute whereby the insertion of a coin Gil of a suitable type to pass the slug ejecting apparatus closes the switch 68 to complete electrical circuit through the switch 63 from the conductor to the conductor 64. The resistance of the lights 65 and 69, and the solenoid coil 67, is such that insuificient current will pass through the circuits to energize the solenoid coil ii to shift the core Ell. However, on completion of the circuit by closing of the switch 68 sufficient current passes through the circuit to energize said coils and move the cores.

The solenoid coil ii? on the closing of any of the switches 4i] is energized to move a coin chuteclosing door I'll into chute opening position. When the coil 6? is not energized a suitable spring H moves the door into chute-closing position whereby coins cannot be inserted therein except when one of the switches id is closed.

The usual phonograph machine is so constructed that whenever the selecting shaft l1 stops in any one of the twelve working positions a new playing cycle is started and thereafter automatically continues to completion. Therefore each stop may be pushed into and out of position at time during the progress of such a cycle. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, a solenoid coil 12 is connected across the leads 3 4 and 35 and its energization is controlled by a switch 13 adapted to be opened automatically and to be closed by means of a cam 74 or other part of the phonograph that makes one revolution, for example during each playing cycle. After a record has been played the corresponding core 20 must be returned to its idle position out of the path of the arm I3. This can conveniently be done by affixing to the shaft 1'! near the arm t8 a disc or other suitable supporting member 15 upon which is secured the solenoid oil 12, the core 16 of which is aligned with each core 20 whenever the arm I8 is engaged with the latter.

is energized by the cam '24 closing the switch 13.

Therefore once during each playing cycle the cam 14 closes the switch 13 so that it causes the solenoid 12 to be energized and the core 20 with which it happens to be registering to be moved back into its idle position.

In order to maintain the operation of the record changer and disc drive during the playing of a record, a conductor 18 is provided connecting the lead 34 with the conductor 31, a suitable switch 19 being provided in the conductor 18 and so arranged that it is operated by the record changer as, for example, when the disc drive 80 is up in record playing position the swtich I9 is closed to complete the circuit, and on completion of the playing of the record when the disc drive is moved downwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, it will contact the arm of the switch 19 to break the circuit and stop the record changer until such time as another coin is placed in one of the control or counter boxes.

In operating a device constructed as described, assuming the leads 34 and 35 are connected to a suitable source of current, the motors 44 and 62 operate continuously and in synchronism to rotate the rotor 41 and the hand 51 on the clock. Assuming all of the solenoid cores 2B are in retracted position, current issupplied from the lead 34 through the conductor 36, contact piece 32, metal sleeves 23, contact pieces 30, conductor 3|, to each of the coils 2! and through conductors 39 to the microswitches 43. In the position as shown in Fig. 2, a switch as in the three position is the only one closed, therefore the only current flowing in any of the solenoid coils 21 is through the solenoid coil in the three position, current flowing through the microswitch in the three position through the conductor 4|, branches 52, ligths 65, 66, and coil 61, the circuit being completed through the conductor 64 and lead 35.

Current flowing through the circuit energizes the solenoid coil 6? to move the chute-closing door to open the coin chute for insertion of a suitable coin. Simultaneously the lights 65 and 66 are illuminated, showing through the panel 59 to indicate that the control is ready to receive a suitable coin. Insertion of a coin in the coin chute of any of the counter boxes will close the switch 68, causing sufficient current to flow through the device to effect movement of the solenoid core to the corresponding solenoid to the switch closed by the cam lobe 5|, the particular solenoid actuated being indicated to the patron by the position of the second hand or indicating hand 51 on the clocks in the control boxes. The

core 20 which is shifted remains in the position to engage the radial arm l8 when said arm is moved by the record changer shaft l'l. Movement of the solenoid core shifts the metallic sleeve 23 to electrically connect the contact pieces 32 and 33, thereby causing current to flow from the lead 34, conductor 36, metallic bar 28, contact piece 32, metal sleeve 23, contact piece 33,v metal bar 29, conductor 31 to the record changer and amplifier, the other terminals of which are connected by the conductor 38 with the lead35. This starts actuation of the record changer andmovement of the radial arm 18 in response to turning of the shaft IT. The clock motors 62 and motor 44 continue to move, closing the switches 46 in sequence and each time lighting the lights 65 and 65 to indicate that other coins may be inserted in the control mechanism, the hands 51 indicating the number of the selection that will be played in response to insertion of acoin in the control mechanism. Other coins may be inserted during the playingof the record, the positioning of the lobe 5| determining the particular solenoid coil 2c which will be energized and the record which will be played in its turn. By continuous turning of the rotor 41, the switches 49 will continue to be closed momentarily, however, the lights 65 and 66 will not be energized when a switch corresponding to a solenoid core 20 that has been shifted is closed, as one end of the coil winding is connected through the conductor 3| to the contact piece 38 which is engaged with the end of the extension 22, thereby breaking the circuit so that no coin may be inserted for a record which is already called for by the control apparatus. When the radial arm l8 contacts a core 28 to actuate the'record changer to play the record called for by the particular core engaged, said record will start playing, lifting the disc drive 89, closing the switch 19 to maintain current supply to the record changer during the playing of said record. During the playing of such records the cam '54 will rotate, closing the switch 13, energizing the solenoid 12 which is in alignment with the core 20 engaged by the radial arm [8, to move said core into retracted position and permitting the radial arm [8 to move to the next solenoid core 20 that has been shifted to select a record. In this manner the patron cannot insert a coin in a control box except when the lights 65 and 66 are energized to indicate that a record may be played and the hand 51 indicates the particular selection that may be played. Also the patron does not have to press any buttons or keys, but merely waits until the hand 5'! indicates a selection he desires and by placing the coin in the coin slot said selection will be played. Also, only three wires are required to connect each remote control device with the automatic phonograph, thereby reducing the number of wires leading throughout the public place, simplifying the installation and also attracting attention by having the clock or dial in each control, together with the flashing lights for indicating a selection may be made. also be seen that there is no conflict between the remote control stations since every record that is selected either locally or at remote points is played in its regular order and cannot be cancelled by another patron, nor can the patrons at one point or another bar others from having their selections played promptly, because all selections are registered in the order determined by the rotating selecting shaft so that each selection is played as that shaft reaches the angular position corresponding thereto and not according to the order in which the patrons initiated the selection.

While I have illustrated and described aclock in connection with the control, it is believed obvious that any suitable form of dial, with suitable numbers corresponding to the number of records contained in the phonograph, may be used in the manner described.

It Will What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A control for an automatic phonograph adapted to play a series of records having a movable selective element and a Wall box having a coin receiving device remote from the phonograph, said control comprising a series of electromagnets having movable cores cooperating with said element to arrest it in various positions in making selections, each electromagnet having a separate energizing circuit containing a switch, a synchronous motor, a cam operated by said motor, arms on the respective switches for actuating same and disposed radially in the path of the cam whereby the continuous rota tion of the cam by the motor engages the arms in sequence to close said switches momentarily one after the other, a motor in the wall box in synchronism with the first named motor, means in the wall box and operated by the second named motor for indicating the switch being closed, means responsive to insertion of a coin in the coin device for reducing resistance and increas ing current flow in the electromagnet circuit having its respective switch closed by engagement of the arm with the motor driven cam to a sufficient value to effect movement of the respective core into the path of the selective element, a light signal in the wall box and energized in response to closure of a switch in an electromagnetic circuit only when the respective core is in retracted position.

,2. A control for an automatic phonograph adapted to play a series of records having a movable selective element and a coin receiv .5 device, said control comprising a series of electromagnets having movable cores cooperating with said element to arrest it in various positions in making selections, each electromagnet having a separate energizing circuit containing a switch, a synchronous motor, means operated said motor to close said switches mo entarily one after the other, means for indicating the switch being closed, means responsive to insertion of a coin in the coin device dueling resistance in the electromagnet circuit and icreasing current flow therethrou-gh to a suific or. value to effect movement of the core into ti, path of the selective element, a light signal in the clectromagnet circuits and energized in res onse to closure of a switch electronic circuit only when the respective core is l ,t acted pos tion, and means in the coin device for refusing acceptance of a coin the light signal is deenergized.

3. A control for an autoratic phonograph adapted to play a series of records having a inov. abie selective eleillent and a coin receiving device, said control comprising a series of elec omagnets having movable cores cooperating w 11 said element to arrest it in various positions in making selections, each electromagnet having a separate energizing c "cuit containin a switch, a synchronous motor, means continuously operated by said motor to close said switches momentarily one after the other, a second motor in Synchronism with the first named motor, means ,driven by the second motor for indicating the switch being closed, means responsive to inser" tion of a coin in the coin device for reducing resistance and increasing current flow in the electromagnet circuit having a switch closed by the motor operated means to a sufficient value "to efiect movement of the respective core into the path of the selective element, means in the electromagnetic circuits for indicating closure of a switch in an electromagnetic circuit only when the respective core is in retracted position, and means for retracting the core after the selection is played.

4. A control for an automatic phonograph adapted to play a series of records having a movable selective element and a coin receiving device, said control comprising a series of electromagnets having movable cores cooperating with said element to arrest it in various positions in inalr ng selections, each electromagnet having a separate energizing circuit containing a switch, a synchronous motor, means operated by said motor to close said switches momentarily one after the other, a second motor in synchronism with the first named motor, means driven by-the second named motor for indicating the switch being closed, means responsive to insertion of a coin in the coin device reducing resistance in the electromagnet circuit and increasing current flow therethrough to a sufficient value to eficct movement of the core into the path of the selective e e out, the circuit to the respective eiectromaenet being interrupted while the core is in the path or the selective element, means .ive to playing of the selection for retracting the core out of the path of the selective element, light s gnals in the electromagnetic circuit for indicating closure of one of the switches, and means clo ng the coin device to prevent insert on of a coin when none of the electro-,

magnet energizing switches are closed.

5. A control for an automatic phonograph adapted to play a series of records having a movable selective element and a wall box having coin receiving device remote from the phonograph, said control comprising a series of elec.-, tromagnets having moveahle cores cooperating with said element to arrest it in various Des: tions in making selections, each electromagnet having a separate energizing circuit containing a switch, a synchronous motor,a cam operated by said motor, arms on the respective switches :ior actuating same and disposed radially in the path of the cams whereby the continuous rotation of the cam the motor engages the arms in sequence to close switches momentarily one after the other, a motor in the wall box in synchronism with the first named motor, means in the wall box and operated by the second named motor for indicating the switch being closed, means responsive to insertion of a coin in the coin device for ,redu g resistance and increasing current flow in the electromagnet circuit having respective switch closed by en: gagement of the arm with the motor driven cam to a s value to ef ect movement of the respective core into the path of the selective element, 1 ms for retracting the .core after the selection is played, a light signal in the wall box and energized in response to closure ,of .a switch in an electro-magnet circuit only when the respective core is in retracted postion, and means in the coin device for refusing acceptance of a coin when the light signal is deenergized.

EARL L. WELKER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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